Texas Hill Country! Southern Tier Episode 19

[@michelleflores053171]

The "Purple Tree" is a Texas Mountain Laurel. The Texas Mountain laurel produces large clusters of flowers that have a strong sweet aroma to them. These trees require minimal maintenance and pruning and they never lose their leaves. The rolling hills in the area you rode through are challenging. I believe your rode through the area during the best time of the year. The spring flowers combined with the cooler temps are very enjoyable.

[@OGColorado]

On my own bike tours in the Hill Country, usually in Spring, I'd see Mountain Laurel, Redbud, and Acacia. All very beautiful. I think what he saw when he mentioned the purple tree was actually Redbud. Laurel has a different shape and darker color of purple. We had it in our yard in Austin. Mountain Laurel blooms before the Redbud. Acacia blooms all summer. I'm guessing this segment of the ride was in April.

[@OGColorado]

Vanderpool is just South of Lost Maples State Park which has showers. Not much there except that store.

[@gregwhelan5708]

Thanks…. I know its a chore to put up and edit something that happened yrs ago.

[@princepage632]

what kind of bike you riding? is it a steel frame, i notied you got all dem heavy ortlieb bags

[@davidcovington6073]

I am riding the Specialized AWOL 2017. It has a steel frame. It is a very smooth ride when it is fully loaded.

[@janetcovington6938]

Mom here is curious about your downhill speed. You mentioned the climb miles per hour, I am thinking it will look faster on camera, but not the 50mph in my imagination!

[@davidcovington6073]

Good News! My records show I only got up to 48.5 mph

[@janetcovington6938]

@@davidcovington6073 Like skydiving--it is best I do not know until after! Geesh-that is fast on 2 skinny tires and with no inflatable body suit! Then, there is climbing Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park!